A Contrastive Study of Euphemistic Death Expressions in Arabic and Chinese

The use of euphemisms arises from language taboos, with “death” being the most taboo word since ancient times. It is customary for individuals to avoid discussions surrounding death and view it as the ultimate misfortune. As a result, substitutes for the word “death” are commonly utilized in communication. Within Chinese and Thai cultures, individuals employ metaphors, metonymy, and other rhetorical devices to indirectly address the topic of “death” with individuals of differing backgrounds. Such euphemisms serve to reflect the emotions and attitudes of those living towards the deceased. This article aims to analyze the differences in the euphemisms used within Chinese and Thai languages by categorizing death objects based on their status, gender, and age. Such categories include the imperial household, monks, elderly individuals, giants, celebrities, talents, heroes, women, and juveniles. Furthermore, this analysis aims to highlight the similarities and differences between Chinese and Thai cultures while accounting for variances in political systems and religious beliefs.